Early photogapher in Southport: Henry Sampson

[daggers]

Among some family photographs I found a 'carte de visite' with the name of Henry Sampson, photographer, Southport on the reverse.
The image is an outdoor scene of a crowd of people, almost certainly a wedding group, but with 12 or possibly more dressed as brides, in white, with veils. They, with formally dressed men, stand in front of a large house. Few of the photos in the album are named, one or two are dated 1861 or 1862. I have found no other clues.

I have posted the image on another forum where opinions differ about the date, ranging from possibly 1861 to 1870s. Nobody has suggested why so many brides gathered together!

I am unable to show the photo here, but wonder if anyone knows about Sampson and the dates he was in business in Southport.

Daggers

[Bertieone]

Daggers,

Census information shows he was a photographer on the 1871/81 census'

Prior he was a chemist and druggist and later a retired chemist.

1869 Slaters Directory, Southport,
Henry Sampson, 10 London St
Chemist & Druggist

I can access the photo if you would like it put on here?

[daggers]

Thank you, Bert. I’m sending you a PM.
D

[Bertieone]

Message received and replied.

[daggers]

Thanks for your expertise in posting the photo.
D

[Bertieone]

I think the photograph is of a couples marriage and multiple bridesmaids, I can't believe at the time of the photo a bride would allow herself to be anywhere else than in shot, not shoved to the back as some appear to be. It seems the couple are front and centre and their parents to the right.

A search through the papers, starting my search at 12 bridesmaids, it wasn't uncommon for brides to have 12 to 20 bridesmaids, obviously from well to do families.

Unfortunately no mention of the photographers at the weddings, though in 1871 one reporter gave a description of the dresses, (above my head) and they cost between 10 and 12 shillings. How many fathers would settle for that now.

[MaryA]

Wow fabulous photo, I agree that they may be bridesmaids rather than a group of brides. Pity nobody recognised the house.